Peter Powell

In the 1960s a number of dual control kites came on to the market but it wasn't until 1972, when the Peter Powell developed and released the Stunt Kite that stunt, or sport kites became really popular. This was the kite that can claim the biggest impact on modern kiting. He used extra lines to improve the balance of the kite. He gained fame by winning the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975 and by winning the British “Toy of the Year” award in 1976. Powell’s kite was the first to be accepted as an adult kite rather than a child’s toy.

     This diamond shaped kite was relatively cheap, was easy to fly, and used an extremely long, inflatable tail that allowed people to "sign write" with their kite. It originally used aluminium spars and a plastic sail but later models used fibreglass spars and a ripstop nylon sail, for increased durability. This kite is still in production today and remains a very popular design.

Peter Powell's famous Kite design

     Over the last few decades, improvements in design and materials have accelerated the popularity of kites. Rather than being viewed just as a children’s toy, kiting is now recognized as a recreational sport and an art form.